Pakistan and U.S. Intend to Strengthen Civilian Security Apparatus
by Azhar Masood
July 3, 2009
A U.S. delegation headed by Ms. Janet Napolitano, Secretary Homeland Security, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr on July 3, 2009
ISLAMABAD, July 3 — Pakistan and the United Satates have resolved to strengthen the civilian security apparatus in Pakistan for effectively fighting against militants.
This resolve emerged after an important meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, who called on the President on Friday.
U.S. Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir, and other senior U.S. and Pakistani officials were also present in the meeting.
Talking to Janet Napolitano, the President underlined the need for strengthening the civilian security apparatus in Pakistan. The President said that Pakistan needed much more assistance in the civilian security sector and also for the rehabilitation of the internally displaced persons.
The President also expressed the need for setting up Reconstruction Opportunities Zones (ROZs) to provide jobs for people people so as to wean them away from extremists.
The U.S. Secretary of Homeland of Security said that the U.S. administration was conscious of Pakistan’s requirements in the ongoing fight against militancy and was keen to help Pakistan in all ways possible.
Later on Friday, Janet Napolitano held a meeting with Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. Officials said the two leaders discussed regional security issues.
Azhar Masood received his Masters in International Relations from the University of Karachi in 1971. During the 1980's, he reported on the Afghan war for Arab News and other news organizations. Throughout the 90's, he covered numerous conflicts and events relating to international affairs, including the war in Bosnia. He covered both the U.S. wars on Afghanistan and Iraq from within the countries and his services have been hired by the New York Times, Newsweek, and CNN, BBC, Fox News, and al-Jazeera, among others. He is currently based in Islamabad and is in charge of special tasks and assignments for PTV. Read more articles by Azhar Masood.
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After the horrendous assassination of chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party, the country was teetering at the brink, and it was at that time that the now President Zardari raised the slogans of “Pakistan Khapay”, and it did lots of healing, especially in the Sindh. Not only Zardari has shown acumen and lots of sagacity in dealing with the redoubtable challenges faced by the country, he has also done at the most difficult juncture of the history. Leading Pakistan in these tough times is the world’s most unwanted job and that is what is done by Zardari. Even the opposition in Pakistan is not ready to face the music and they are happy with the current arrangements as they don’t have to take the brunt. They are not even joining the cabinet and they are just enjoying the roost in one province. Asif Zardari is moving running country sophisticatedly. Pakistan is fighting militancy and on other front we have internal issues. so it is hard to wash out all the mess of previous regime. So well done Zardari……..!!!!!!!!!